HOHHOT, the capital of China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has introduced a cash subsidy of up to 100,000 yuan (US$13,815) for families having a third child, joining other Chinese cities in efforts to reverse the aging population trend. Under the new childcare financial assistance program, which was detailed on the Hohhot Health Commission’s website last week, families will receive 10,000 yuan annually for a third child born after March 1 until the child turns 10. Additionally, parents welcoming their first child will receive a one-time subsidy of 10,000 yuan, while those having a second child will get 10,000 yuan per year until the child reaches five. Yang Zhong, deputy director of the Hohhot Municipal Health Commission, said that the subsidy program, effective from March 1, is a key measure to boost population growth. The city has also enhanced its marriage and childbirth services, including medical insurance coverage for prenatal examinations and labor analgesia, as well as three free health screenings for newborns. Furthermore, Hohhot has launched a “One Cup of Milk” initiative, providing mothers of newborns born after March 1 with one free cup of milk daily for a year. An evaluation system will be implemented to monitor the policy’s effectiveness. Yang expressed hope that the subsidies will alleviate financial burdens on families, ease childbirth concerns, and stimulate related industries such as maternal products, dairy, and education. Hohhot is among a growing number of Chinese cities using financial incentives to boost birth rates. Previously, 23 provincial-level regions and cities had piloted similar childbirth subsidy systems, although on a smaller scale. For instance, Yunnan Province offers a one-time subsidy of 2,000 yuan for a second child and 5,000 yuan for a third child. In Tianmen, a city in Hubei Province, supportive policies introduced last year have led to a 17% year-on-year increase in newborns. A local mother, surnamed He, who welcomed her third child in mid-December, received a financial package totaling 8,100 yuan, including delivery assistance, a one-time birth reward, and maternity leave subsidies. Her child also qualifies for a monthly 1,000-yuan subsidy until age three. This year’s Government Work Report emphasized policies to promote childbirth, including the issuance of subsidies, the development of integrated preschool services, and the expansion of inclusive childcare services. (SD-Agencies) | 